We began as a teen hotline called The Love-In Switchboard. It was in 1969 that Sue Matheson, an Alameda parent, started the agency in her living room with $500 and a few volunteers. The agency was then incorporated the following year operating as Xanthos, Inc. until 2005 when the name was legally changed to Alameda Family Services. The name was changed to represent very clearly the purpose of the agency– to serve as a resource to the families of Alameda seeking support.